Part 1 gave an overview of spiritual gifts.  Part 2 looked at ten of the gifts and their definitions.  Part 3 looked at nine other gifts as well as confirmatory gifts and two additional gifts. Today, we ask in good Lutheran fashion, “So now that I know my gifts, what does this mean?”

Knowing your spiritual gifts answers the question, “What should I do when I serve?” But it doesn’t answer the question, “Where should I serve?”

Where Should I Serve?

Ideally, you need to look at multiple pieces of your life to best determine your ideal sweet spot.  Your sweet spot is where your unique design intersects with the world’s need.

Let’s say you have the gift of administration- the ability to organize, delegate and motivate people in such a way that what needs to be done gets done. This is a gift that is needed in most areas of ministry.   Now let’s say that I need someone to organize our Sunday School program.  You have the gift of administration.  I say, “Great!”

You say, “Wrong.  I really don’t like working with children and I don’t particularly like people in general. I really prefer to work behind the scenes.”

“Oh, I get it.  So tell me what you love to do?”

“Well, I’m pretty good with accounting and computers.  Do you need any help with bookkeeping?”

“You know, we do!  I’d love to connect you with our treasurer.  I know he has a project he is looking for some help on. His name is—— .  Let me talk to him and one of us will get back to you within the week, if that’s okay?”

Can you see why we need to look at more than just the spiritual gift?

There are a few questions that really help nail down where you should think about serving.

• I want to know what group of people you most care about.  Sometimes having a list helps you see people that you may not think about right away but you really do have a heart for.
• Are there causes that really make your heart race or that bring you almost to tears?  Causes like homeless, abortion, cancer
• Then consider what type of needs you like to meet: physical, spiritual, emotional, relational, vocational, or educational?

These questions allow you to focus on a particular direction that you might like to move.

Some Other Things to Consider

Other things like time availability, seasons of life, spiritual maturity level, past experiences and personality all play a part in determining a best fit into that sweet spot.  Often, God isn’t quite ready for you to serve in that particular area but there are things you can be doing to learn and grow in those areas so that when God’s timing is right, He can use you for His benefit.

If you’ve found this information on spiritual gifts to be helpful I think you would really enjoy participating in a Discovery Workshop.  I lead different versions of the workshop depending on age groups and the time I have available. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in attending a workshop or hosting one.  Check out the topics under “What we Do” on our Faith Unleashed Consulting  website.  I’d love to talk to you about it!  God’s blessings as you seek to serve the Lord using your spiritual gifts!